The St Mary’s Grade 6 tennis team competed in the provincial phase of the BNP Paribas Rising Stars tournament. Competing against the top schools from Gauteng Central, Gauteng North, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, St Mary’s emerged victorious and qualified for the national finals to be held in February next year. St Mary’s beat teams from Atteridgeville, Arthur Ashe Centre, Trinity House, Pietersburg East and Elardus Park to take the honours. Only eight schools - two teams from each provincial playoff - automatically qualify for the national finals. Congratulations to Maroesi Tuaone, Ilana Buck, Katie Franck and Nicole Ledlie on this amazing achievement!

Inter-house tennis was held and so much fun was had on and off the court. Well done to the Grade 7s who organised their teams so well and for creating a wonderful house spirit. The delightful, colourful outfits, worn by the players, added to the spirit. Congratulations to Springboks for winning the inter-house competition.

I extend my thanks to Natasha and Tayla for leading the tennis team with such diligence and enthusiasm and I thank all the Grade 7 tennis players for the huge contribution that they have made to tennis in the Junior School. They have been an amazing group of players with their high standard of play on the court and their exemplary spirit and behaviour off the court. Thank you to Mrs Lowndes for all her help this term.

Rene Plant

Coach: Tennis